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Guehaz K, Boual Z, Abdou I, Telli A, Belkhalfa H. Microalgae's polysaccharides, are they potent antioxidants? Critical review. Arch Microbiol 2023; 206:14. [PMID: 38070019 DOI: 10.1007/s00203-023-03738-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
The scientific community continue to explore novel bioactive molecules by investigating natural origins; microalgae are photosynthetic organisms considered as a sustainable resource to use in many fields. They present a high diversity in species and richness in terms of attractive bio-compounds. The aim of this review is to (1) provide first an overview of current issues related to oxidative stress, and propose a natural metabolite derived from eukaryotic and prokaryotic microalgae; 'polysaccharides' as a powerful antioxidant agent, then, (2) organize the available data on the antioxidant potential of polysaccharides derived from the main microalgal groups (red microalgae, green microalgae, and cyanobacteria) and especially highlighted the key species of each group (Porphyridium sp., Chlorella sp., and Arthrospira sp., respectively), meanwhile, (3) we described the chemical composition of polysaccharides from each class, and (4) we cite briefly the most factors affecting the antioxidant activity of these molecules. Finally, we explored the major challenges and gaps found to require more investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karima Guehaz
- Laboratory for the Protection of Ecosystems in Arid and Semi-Arid Zones, FNSV, Kasdi Merbah University, 30000, Ouargla, Algeria.
| | - Zakaria Boual
- Laboratory for the Protection of Ecosystems in Arid and Semi-Arid Zones, FNSV, Kasdi Merbah University, 30000, Ouargla, Algeria
| | - Imene Abdou
- Higher National School of Renewable Energies, Environment and Sustainable Development, Batna 2, Batna, Algeria
| | - Alia Telli
- Laboratory for the Protection of Ecosystems in Arid and Semi-Arid Zones, FNSV, Kasdi Merbah University, 30000, Ouargla, Algeria
| | - Hakim Belkhalfa
- Scientific and Technical Research Center in Physicochemical Analysis, 42000, Tipaza, Algeria
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Majewski M, Klett-Mingo M, Verdasco-Martín CM, Otero C, Ferrer M. Spirulina extract improves age-induced vascular dysfunction. PHARMACEUTICAL BIOLOGY 2022; 60:627-637. [PMID: 35294322 PMCID: PMC8933018 DOI: 10.1080/13880209.2022.2047209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Vascular dysfunction is considered a hallmark of ageing that has been associated with altered vasomotor responses, in which nitric oxide (NO) and reactive oxygen species participate. The consumption of Spirulina extracts, with antioxidant properties, increased recently. OBJECTIVE This study investigates the effect of Spirulina aqueous extract (SAE) on the vascular function of the aorta from aged rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS Aortic segments from aged male Sprague-Dawley rats (20-22 months old) were exposed to SAE (0.1% w/v, for 3 h) to analyse: (i) the vasodilator response induced by acetylcholine (ACh), by the NO donor sodium nitroprusside (SNP), by the carbon monoxide releasing molecule (CORM) and by the KATP channel opener, cromakalim (CK); (ii) the vasoconstrictor response induced by KCl and noradrenaline (NA); (iii) the production of NO and superoxide anion, and (iv) the expression of the p-eNOS and HO-1 proteins. RESULTS Incubation with SAE increased the expression of p-eNOS (1.6-fold) and HO-1 (2.0-fold), enhanced NO release (1.4-fold in basal and 1.9-fold in ACh-stimulated conditions) while decreased the production of superoxide (0.7-fold). SAE also increased the sensitivity (measured as pEC50) to ACh (control: -7.06 ± 0.11; SAE: -8.16 ± 0.21), SNP (control: -7.96 ± 0.16; SAE: -9.11 ± 0.14) and CK (control: -7.05 ± 0.39; SAE: -8.29 ± 0.53), and potentiated the response to KCl (1.3-fold) and to NA (1.7-fold). CONCLUSION The antioxidant properties of SAE improved the vasomotor responses of aorta from aged rats. These results may support the use of Spirulina as a protection against vascular dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michal Majewski
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Warmia and Mazury, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Mercedes Klett-Mingo
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Carlos M. Verdasco-Martín
- Departamento de Biocatálisis, Instituto de Catálisis y Petroleoquímica, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Madrid, Spain
| | - Cristina Otero
- Departamento de Biocatálisis, Instituto de Catálisis y Petroleoquímica, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Madrid, Spain
- Cristina Otero Departamento de Biocatálisis, Instituto de Catálisis y Petroleoquímica, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Madrid, Spain
| | - Mercedes Ferrer
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Hospital Universitario La Paz (IdiPAZ) Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- CONTACT Mercedes Ferrer Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Medicina, UAM. C/Arzobispo Morcillo, 4, 28029Madrid, Spain
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de Souza ILL, Barros BC, Ferreira EDS, Queiroga FR, Vasconcelos LHC, Toscano LDLT, Silva AS, da Silva PM, Cavalcante FDA, da Silva BA. Supplementation with Spirulina platensis Prevents Damage to Rat Erections in a Model of Erectile Dysfunction Promoted by Hypercaloric Diet-Induced Obesity. Mar Drugs 2022; 20:md20080467. [PMID: 35892935 PMCID: PMC9332348 DOI: 10.3390/md20080467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Revised: 04/23/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the inability to achieve and/or maintain a penile erection sufficient for sexual satisfaction. Currently, many patients do not respond to the pharmacotherapy. The effects of a supplementation with Spirulina platensis, were evaluated in a model of ED induced by hypercaloric diet consumption. Wistar rats were divided into groups fed with standard diet (SD) or hypercaloric diet (HD) and supplemented with this alga at doses of 25, 50 or 100 mg/kg. Experimental adiposity parameters and erectile function were analyzed. In SD groups, Spirulina platensis reduced food intake, final body mass and adiposity index, and increased the total antioxidant capacity (TAC) of adipose tissue. However, no change was observed in erectile function. In the HD group, without Spirulina supplementation, a decrease in food intake was observed, in addition to an increase of final body mass, weight gain, adipose reserves, and adiposity index. Additionally, reduction in the number and increase in the latency of penile erection and adipose malondialdehyde levels, as well as a reduction in TCA was noted. Furthermore, cavernous contractility was increased, and the relaxing response was decreased. Interestingly, these deleterious effects were prevented by the algae at doses of 25, 50 and/or 100 mg/kg. Therefore, the supplementation with S. platensis prevents damages associated to a hypercaloric diet consumption and emerges as an adjuvant the prevention of ED.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iara Leão Luna de Souza
- Departamento de Ciências Biológicas e Saúde, Universidade Estadual de Roraima, Boa Vista 69306-530, RR, Brazil
- Curso de Farmácia, Centro Universitário Estácio da Amazônia, Boa Vista 69306-530, RR, Brazil
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +55-83-98741-9057
| | - Bárbara Cavalcanti Barros
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Produtos Naturais e Sintéticos Bioativos, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal da Paraíba, João Pessoa 58051-900, PB, Brazil; (B.C.B.); (E.d.S.F.); (F.R.Q.); (L.H.C.V.); (F.d.A.C.); (B.A.d.S.)
| | - Elba dos Santos Ferreira
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Produtos Naturais e Sintéticos Bioativos, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal da Paraíba, João Pessoa 58051-900, PB, Brazil; (B.C.B.); (E.d.S.F.); (F.R.Q.); (L.H.C.V.); (F.d.A.C.); (B.A.d.S.)
| | - Fernando Ramos Queiroga
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Produtos Naturais e Sintéticos Bioativos, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal da Paraíba, João Pessoa 58051-900, PB, Brazil; (B.C.B.); (E.d.S.F.); (F.R.Q.); (L.H.C.V.); (F.d.A.C.); (B.A.d.S.)
| | - Luiz Henrique César Vasconcelos
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Produtos Naturais e Sintéticos Bioativos, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal da Paraíba, João Pessoa 58051-900, PB, Brazil; (B.C.B.); (E.d.S.F.); (F.R.Q.); (L.H.C.V.); (F.d.A.C.); (B.A.d.S.)
- Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Departamento de Fisiologia e Patologia, Universidade Federal da Paraíba, João Pessoa 58051-900, PB, Brazil
| | - Lydiane de Lima Tavares Toscano
- Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Departamento de Educação Física, Universidade Federal da Paraíba, João Pessoa 58051-900, PB, Brazil; (L.d.L.T.T.); (A.S.S.)
| | - Alexandre Sérgio Silva
- Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Departamento de Educação Física, Universidade Federal da Paraíba, João Pessoa 58051-900, PB, Brazil; (L.d.L.T.T.); (A.S.S.)
| | - Patrícia Mirella da Silva
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Biologia Celular e Molecular, Centro de Ciências Exatas e da Natureza, Universidade Federal da Paraíba, João Pessoa 58051-900, PB, Brazil;
| | - Fabiana de Andrade Cavalcante
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Produtos Naturais e Sintéticos Bioativos, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal da Paraíba, João Pessoa 58051-900, PB, Brazil; (B.C.B.); (E.d.S.F.); (F.R.Q.); (L.H.C.V.); (F.d.A.C.); (B.A.d.S.)
- Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Departamento de Fisiologia e Patologia, Universidade Federal da Paraíba, João Pessoa 58051-900, PB, Brazil
| | - Bagnólia Araújo da Silva
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Produtos Naturais e Sintéticos Bioativos, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal da Paraíba, João Pessoa 58051-900, PB, Brazil; (B.C.B.); (E.d.S.F.); (F.R.Q.); (L.H.C.V.); (F.d.A.C.); (B.A.d.S.)
- Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Departamento de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal da Paraíba, João Pessoa 58051-900, PB, Brazil
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Brito ADF, Silva AS, de Souza AA, Ferreira PB, de Souza ILL, Araujo LCDC, da Silva BA. Supplementation With Spirulina platensis Improves Tracheal Reactivity in Wistar Rats by Modulating Inflammation and Oxidative Stress. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:826649. [PMID: 35712706 PMCID: PMC9192967 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.826649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Spirulina platensis has shown effectiveness in the treatment of allergic rhinitis in rats, but its action in tracheal reactivity or on markers of relaxation and antioxidant profile has not yet been possible to determine. In this paper, the animals were divided into the groups healthy (SG) and supplemented with S. platensis at doses of 50 (SG50), 150 (SG150), and 500 mg/kg (SG500). We also evaluated nitrite levels, lipid peroxidation, and antioxidant activity through biochemical analysis. For contractile reactivity, only SG500 (pEC50 = 5.2 ± 0.06 showed reduction in carbachol contractile potency. Indomethacin caused a higher contractile response to carbachol in SG150 and SG500. For relaxation, curves for SG150 (pEC50 = 5.0 ± 0.05) and SG500 (pEC50 = 7:3 ± 0:02) were shifted to the left, more so in SG500. We observed an increase in nitrite in the trachea only with supplementation of 500 mg/kg (54.0 ± 8.0 µM), also when compared to SG50 (37.0 ± 10.0 µM) and SG150 (38.0 ± 7.0 µM). We observed a decrease in lipid peroxidation in the plasma and an increase in oxidation inhibition for the trachea and lung in SG150 and SG500, suggesting enhanced antioxidant activity. S. platensis (150/500 mg/kg) decreased the contractile response and increased relaxation by increasing antioxidant activity and nitrite levels and modulating the inflammatory response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aline de F Brito
- School of Physical Education, University of Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil.,Post-Graduation Program in Physical Education UPE/UFPB, Recife, Brazil
| | - Alexandre S Silva
- Post-Graduation Program in Physical Education UPE/UFPB, Recife, Brazil.,Physical Education Department, Health Sciences Center, Federal University of Paraiba, João Pessoa, Brazil
| | - Alesandra A de Souza
- Post-Graduation Program in Physical Education UPE/UFPB, Recife, Brazil.,Federal University of Tocantins, Licentiate in Physical Education, Tocantinopolis, Brazil
| | - Paula B Ferreira
- Postgraduate Program in Natural and Synthetic Products Bioactive, Health Sciences Center, Federal University of Paraiba, João Pessoa, Brazil
| | - Iara L L de Souza
- Department of Biological Sciences and Health, Roraima State University, Boa Vista, Brazil
| | - Layanne C da C Araujo
- Department of Biophysics and Physiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Bagnólia A da Silva
- Postgraduate Program in Natural and Synthetic Products Bioactive, Health Sciences Center, Federal University of Paraiba, João Pessoa, Brazil.,Pharmaceutical Sciences Department, Health Sciences Center, Federal University of Paraiba, João Pessoa, Brazil
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Supplementation with Spirulina platensis Prevents Uterine Diseases Related to Muscle Reactivity and Oxidative Stress in Rats Undergoing Strength Training. Nutrients 2021; 13:nu13113763. [PMID: 34836018 PMCID: PMC8620984 DOI: 10.3390/nu13113763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Revised: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Strength training increases systemic oxygen consumption, causing the excessive generation of reactive oxygen species, which in turn, provokes oxidative stress reactions and cellular processes that induce uterine contraction. The aim of this study was to evaluate the possible protective effect of Spirulina platensis (SP), an antioxidant blue algae, on the contractile and relaxation reactivity of rat uterus and the balance of oxidative stress/antioxidant defenses. Female Wistar rats were divided into sedentary (CG), trained (TG), and T + supplemented (TG50, TG100) groups. Reactivity was analyzed by AQCAD, oxidative stress was evaluated by the malondialdehyde (MDA) formation, and the antioxidant capacity was measured by the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) method. Strength training increased contractile reactivity and decreased the pharmaco-mechanical component of relaxing reactivity in rat uterus. In addition, training decreased oxidation inhibition in the plasma and exercise increased oxidative stress in the uterine tissue; however, supplementation with algae prevented this effect and potentiated the increase in antioxidant capacity. Therefore, this study demonstrated that food supplementation prevents changes in reactivity and oxidative stress induced by strength training in a rat uterus, showing for the first time, that the uterus is a target for this exercise modality and antioxidant supplementation with S. platensis is an alternative means of preventing uterine dysfunction.
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Diniz AFA, de Oliveira Claudino BF, Duvirgens MV, da Silva Souza PP, Ferreira PB, Júnior FFL, Alves AF, da Silva BA. Spirulina platensis Consumption Prevents Obesity and Improves the Deleterious Effects on Intestinal Reactivity in Rats Fed a Hypercaloric Diet. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2021; 2021:3260789. [PMID: 34367461 PMCID: PMC8337120 DOI: 10.1155/2021/3260789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Revised: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 07/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The consumption of hypercaloric diets is related to the development of obesity, favoring the etiology of gastrointestinal disorders. In this context, Spirulina platensis (SP), some blue-green algae with antioxidant action, appears as a potential therapeutic alternative to prevent obesity and associated intestinal disorders. Thus, the present study is aimed at evaluating the deleterious effects of the hypercaloric diet on the contractile and relaxing reactivity of the ileum of rats, as well as the possible preventive mechanisms of dietary supplementation with SP. Wistar rats were divided into three groups: fed a standard diet (SD), a hypercaloric diet (HCD), and/or supplemented with 25 mg/kg SP (HCD + SP25) for 8 weeks. The hypercaloric diet was effective in promoting obesity in rats, as well as decreasing potency and ileal relaxing and contractile efficacy. In contrast, dietary supplementation with SP was able to prevent some of the parameters of experimental obesity. In addition, SP prevented the reduction of intestinal reactivity, possibly due to a positive modulation of voltage-gated calcium channels (CaV) and negative regulation of muscarinic receptors (M3). Thus, food supplementation with Spirulina platensis becomes a promising alternative in the prevention of gastrointestinal diseases induced and/or aggravated by obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anderson Fellyp Avelino Diniz
- Postgraduate Program in Natural and Synthetic Products Bioactive/Health Sciences Center, Federal University of Paraiba, João Pessoa, Paraíba, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Paula Benvindo Ferreira
- Postgraduate Program in Natural and Synthetic Products Bioactive/Health Sciences Center, Federal University of Paraiba, João Pessoa, Paraíba, Brazil
| | - Francisco Fernandes Lacerda Júnior
- Postgraduate Program in Natural and Synthetic Products Bioactive/Health Sciences Center, Federal University of Paraiba, João Pessoa, Paraíba, Brazil
| | - Adriano Francisco Alves
- General Pathology Laboratory-Health Sciences Center-Department of Physiology and Pathology, Federal University of Paraiba, João Pessoa, Paraíba, Brazil
| | - Bagnólia Araújo da Silva
- Postgraduate Program in Natural and Synthetic Products Bioactive/Health Sciences Center, Federal University of Paraiba, João Pessoa, Paraíba, Brazil
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Department/Health Sciences Center/Federal University of Paraiba, João Pessoa, Paraíba, Brazil
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Villalpando DM, Verdasco-Martín CM, Plaza I, Gómez-Rivas J, R de Bethencourt F, Villarroel M, García JL, Otero C, Ferrer M. Beneficial Effects of Spirulina Aqueous Extract on Vasodilator Function of Arteries from Hypertensive Rats. Int J Vasc Med 2020; 2020:6657077. [PMID: 33457015 PMCID: PMC7787865 DOI: 10.1155/2020/6657077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2020] [Revised: 11/07/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Hypertension is a multifactorial disorder considered one of the major causes of premature death worldwide. This pathology is associated with vascular functional/structural alterations in which nitric oxide (NO) and oxygen reactive species participate. On the other hand, the use of microalgae extracts in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases is increasing. Based on the antioxidant and antihypertensive properties of Spirulina, this study aims to investigate the effect of an aqueous extract of Spirulina on the vasodilator function of the aorta from spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR), analyzing the functional role of NO. For this, aortic segments from male SHR were divided into two groups, one control and the other exposed to an Spirulina aqueous extract (0.1% w/v, for 3 hours), to analyze (i) the production of NO, superoxide anion, and hydrogen peroxide; (ii) the vasodilator response induced by acetylcholine (ACh), by the NO donor and sodium nitroprusside (SNP), and by the KATP channel opener and pinacidil; and (iii) the expression of the p-Akt, p-eNOS, and HO-1 proteins. The results showed that the aqueous Spirulina extract (i) increased the production of NO, did not significantly modify that of superoxide, while decreased that of hydrogen peroxide; (ii) increased the vasodilatory responses induced by ACh, NPS, and pinacidil; and (iii) increased the expression of p-Akt and HO-1. These results suggest that incubation with the aqueous Spirulina extract improves the vascular function of arteries from SHR by increasing the release/bioavailability/function of NO. Increased KATP channel activation and expression of pAkt and HO-1 appear to be participating in these actions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diva M. Villalpando
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Carlos M. Verdasco-Martín
- Departamento de Biocatálisis, Instituto de Catálisis y Petroleoquímica, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ignacio Plaza
- Departamento de Producción Agraria, ETSIAAB, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan Gómez-Rivas
- Servicio de Urología, Hospital Universitario La Paz, Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Hospital Universitario La Paz (IdiPAZ), Madrid, Spain
| | - Fermín R de Bethencourt
- Servicio de Urología, Hospital Universitario La Paz, Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Hospital Universitario La Paz (IdiPAZ), Madrid, Spain
| | - Morris Villarroel
- Departamento de Producción Agraria, ETSIAAB, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - José L. García
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas Margarita Salas, Biotecnología Medioambiental, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Madrid, Spain
| | - Cristina Otero
- Departamento de Biocatálisis, Instituto de Catálisis y Petroleoquímica, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Madrid, Spain
| | - Mercedes Ferrer
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Hospital Universitario La Paz (IdiPAZ), Madrid, Spain
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Potential Therapeutic Role of Dietary Supplementation with Spirulina platensis on the Erectile Function of Obese Rats Fed a Hypercaloric Diet. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2020; 2020:3293065. [PMID: 32685091 PMCID: PMC7345966 DOI: 10.1155/2020/3293065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2020] [Accepted: 06/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Spirulina platensis, an important source of bioactive compounds, is a multicellular, filamentous cyanobacterium rich in high-quality proteins, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Due to its nutrient composition, the alga is considered a complete food and is recognized for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiobesity, and reproprotective effects. All of which are important for prevention and treatment of organic and metabolic disorders such as obesity and erectile dysfunction. The aim of this study was to investigate the modulatory role of Spirulina platensis food supplementation and the mechanisms of action involved in reversing the damage caused by a hypercaloric diet on the erectile function of rats. The animals were divided into a standard diet group (SD, n = 5); a hypercaloric diet group (HCD, n = 5); a hypercaloric diet group supplemented with S. platensis at doses of 25 (HCD+SP25, n = 5), 50 (HCD+SP50, n = 5), and 100 mg/kg (HCD+SP100, n = 5); and a hypercaloric diet group subsequently fed a standard diet (HCD+SD, n = 5). In the rats fed a hypercaloric diet, dietary supplementation with S. platensis effectively increased the number of erections while decreasing latency to initiate penile erection. Additionally, S. platensis increases NO bioavailability, reduces inflammation by reducing the release of contractile prostanoids, enhances the relaxation effect promoted by acetylcholine (ACh), restores contractile reactivity damage and cavernous relaxation, reduces reactive oxygen species (ROS), and increases cavernous total antioxidant capacity (TAC). Food supplementation with S. platensis thus restores erectile function in obese rats, reduces production of contractile prostanoids, reduces oxidative stress, and increases NO bioavailability. Food supplementation with S. platensis thus emerges as a promising new therapeutic alternative for the treatment of erectile dysfunction as induced by obesity.
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